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BORDERBUM
11-10-2009, 08:20 PM
Im looking at a 1978 4x4 with This is a 78 short bed that has very little rust. It has 8" spring lift with no blocks and a 3" body lift. It has no motor, tranny, or transfer case. it has 3/4 ton axles with 4.11 gears front and rear. with mini spools in front and rear diffs so front and rear are full time posi, im guessing. Comes with duel steering stabalizers. The cab is rust free besides one rocker (dime size issue) Great bed with just surface rust.

bad, no title, so Im going to use the suspension, cab, bed, from the 78 on my 84,

I guess im asking is this truck a good find? it is a good deal as far as money goes. Im just wondering if i will have issues with the truck on the road with the mini spools? I was just going to go with the 84s stock diffs till i found this, so I dont know that much about this set up....thanks.

oh my plans are 38-39 inch ground hawg radials, will those 4/11 gears work well with that combo?
leveldowen
11-10-2009, 09:14 PM
I wouldn't even use a rear spool on the street. Front and rear spools on the street is borderline unsafe. Swap those out for Detroit Lockers or some other limited slip setup, and it would be good. I'd go with a taller gear for 38s though, especially if its going to be more of a toy than a highway cruiser. And dual steering stabilizers is generally a sign of bigger problems with tire balance or steering equipment. Unless the PO just had a fat wallet and wanted as much axle candy as possible. Then he's just dumb.
FastBlak
11-11-2009, 04:53 PM
How much would you be paying for it?
BORDERBUM
11-11-2009, 07:14 PM
about $800 with a good cab(better than mine) dang good bed(will use this one instead of mine, cause mine sucks) 8 inch suspension lift, 3 inch body lift, all the lift shocks etc all stuff that i need.
BORDERBUM
11-12-2009, 04:11 PM
I bet I could get those mini spools traded out to someone that needed them, so I could be more highway worthy?
GreaseDog
11-12-2009, 05:05 PM
you definitely dont want a front spool, though the rear isnt anywhere near unsafe as mentioned above. with the front spooled, steering effort will be greatly increased, as will stress on the crack prone frame. steering for an 8" all spring suspension lift will be sketchy at best. your best bet is to get a set of flat top knuckles, and convert to crossover steering, and either way you go, with a tire that big an Autofab steering box brace is strongly suggested.

as for how 4.10s will work with your proposed 38-39" tire, it depends on what trans you're running and what you're doing with the truck. if you're running a 700R4, forget it. invest in 5.13s. if you're running a TH350 or TH400, you might be able to get by with it, though gas milage will suck. if you're running an SM465, i helped build and drove a truck with 4.10s and 38.5" TSLs, and it didnt do bad at all.
BORDERBUM
11-12-2009, 07:49 PM
it is a 700r4 with a 208 transfer case. so with that setup 5.13s would be better? what kind of fuel milage am i looking at with those? thanks,
GreaseDog
11-12-2009, 08:00 PM
you're looking at not worrying about fuel milage... you're driving a truck that's over a full foot taller than stock, with tires 10-12" taller than stock.
GreaseDog
11-12-2009, 08:01 PM
i would also look into getting a virgin mary decal for the front diff, its going to need all the help it can get.
BORDERBUM
11-12-2009, 08:43 PM
i would also look into getting a virgin mary decal for the front diff, its going to need all the help it can get.

that was funny!! :biggrin:
GreaseDog
11-12-2009, 08:52 PM
it wasnt meant to be funny, its true.
BORDERBUM
11-13-2009, 06:18 AM
Yeah, yeah i know
bowtieguy101
11-15-2009, 07:11 AM
You realize the VIn number is on teh cab right? You said teh parts truck had no title? Are you planning on committing a crime and swapping vin plates? If so tyour gonna need to get with GM adn get some rosette rivets, Otherwise it will be realy obvious.
BORDERBUM
11-15-2009, 05:26 PM
no, not planning on any crimb here.
GreaseDog
11-15-2009, 06:31 PM
there are legal means to go about swapping VINs.
k20chevy 454
11-16-2009, 03:14 PM
apply for a title???and i liked having my sm-465 with 3:73's and 36's
zraffz
11-16-2009, 03:37 PM
I think the mini spool in the front is fine for the road, but it's going to drive like crap with one in the rear.
GreaseDog
11-16-2009, 04:28 PM
I think the mini spool in the front is fine for the road, but it's going to drive like crap with one in the rear.

the mini spool will make the truck difficult to turn when four wheel drive is engaged. a mini spool will only take a little getting used to, they dont drive that bad on the street if you know what you're doing. it will however chew up tires like nobody's businesss.